Hey, globe-trotters and change-makers! 🌎 China's special envoy for climate change, Liu Zhenmin, is sending out a powerful message: it's time for all countries—big or small, developed or developing—to join forces against climate change! 💪
Before jetting off to Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Liu chatted with Xinhua News about the urgent need for teamwork. He’s all about collaboration, especially with the European Union (EU) and other global partners, to make the Paris Agreement a reality.
💰 Show Me the Money: Financial Support & Responsibilities
Liu didn't mince words when he called on developed nations to step up their game. He emphasized that they should lead the charge in providing financial aid to developing countries struggling with the impacts of climate change. After all, it's not just a nice thing to do—it's part of the Paris Agreement deal! 🤝
Remember back in 2009 when developed countries promised to shell out $100 billion annually to help developing nations switch to cleaner energy? Well, that promise still needs some work. Liu believes that even though $100 billion is just a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed, it's a crucial step in showing effective global cooperation. It could also spark more funds from international markets and private investors! 💡
As COP29 gears up to discuss climate finance goals beyond 2025, Liu admitted that getting everyone on the same page won't be a breeze. But hey, nothing worth doing ever is, right? 🌬️
🇪🇺 EU's Position: Walking the Talk?
Last month, the EU announced its game plan for COP29, backing a new global climate finance goal. Sounds great, but here's the catch: the EU's statement didn't specify what they would do themselves. Instead, they called on all countries—including emerging economies—to chip in more financially. 💸
Liu pointed out that while the EU has been a solid supporter of climate finance over the past decade, they're currently facing some internal hiccups. Recent elections showed a dip in enthusiasm for climate action among certain political parties. 😕
But Liu isn't letting them off the hook. "As a significant player in global climate governance, these challenges shouldn't become reasons to shift responsibility," he said, urging the EU to keep pushing forward. 🚀
🌿 China's Green Leap Forward
Guess what? Despite being a developing country, China is making major strides in going green! 🌱 Liu highlighted China's electrification of transportation—think bullet trains zooming across the country and a boom in electric vehicles. All this is helping cut down greenhouse gas emissions and making the air cleaner. 🚄🚗
Looking ahead to COP29, Liu reaffirmed China's dedication to working constructively with the EU and others. The goal? Achieve big wins that help bring the Paris Agreement to life. Plus, China plans to continue supporting other developing nations through South-South cooperation. 🎯
"Addressing climate change requires the collective efforts of both developed and developing countries," Liu wrapped up. "China will remain a steadfast advocate for global climate cooperation." 🌐✊
Reference(s):
China's special envoy calls for joint efforts to tackle climate change
cgtn.com
